Unlike canker sores, cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are characterized by a cluster of tiny, painful lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus. Many factors can trigger an outbreak, including colds, stress and extreme sunlight . Although the herpes virus has no known cure, there are natural home remedies that yield significant benefits in preventing lesions, shortening the duration of outbreaks and relieving discomfort.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, considered by many as the first-choice herbal treatment for cold sores, contains four antiviral compounds that inhibit the spread of the herpes simplex virus. According to Dr. Linda B. White, author of "The Herbal Drugstore," a German study found that a cream containing one percent lemon balm extract, applied five times daily, reduced symptoms as well as the size of the outbreak. A full 96 percent of patients were lesion-free after eight days of therapy. Apply lemon balm tea at the first sign of a cold sore.
To prepare a tea, steep two to four tsp. of fresh lemon balm leaves in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Apply the cooled tea directly to your cold sores. Alternatively, you can apply the fresh leaves, or a commercial lip balm containing lemon balm, directly onto your lesions.
Echinacea
Echinecea, otherwise known as the purple cone flower, also inhibits the herpes simplex virus. Not only does it offer relief from cold sore discomfort, but it reduces outbreaks by "boosting the antiviral immune fighters in mucous membranes," as cited by Marcia Holman, author of the book "Amazing Antidotes."
Start with a topical preparation of echinacea tea. Mix 1 tsp. of the dried herb into a cup of boiling water, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain, cool and apply directly onto your lesions with a washcloth for 10 minutes. If your cold sore was precipitated by a common cold, or if you have an overall ill feeling, drink the tea three times a day.
Ice
Ice offers an easy and free method to combat cold sores. According to the website Health911.com, rubbing ice on a sore helps prevent the virus from moving from the nerve to the skin.
At the first sign of a lesion, cover the area with an ice cube wrapped in a napkin. Hold it on the lesion for as long as possible, relax, and then reapply for a total of 30 minutes.
Vitamin E
Another home remedy that warrants a try is vitamin E. According to "Amazing Antidotes," Dr. Jeanette Jacknin, an Arizona-based dermatologist, suggests that the vitamin may accelerate healing and relieve pain. Simply break open a vitamin E capsule, and apply it directly to your cold sore.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D.; 2000
- "Amazing Antidotes"; Marcia Holman; 2004
- Health911.com: Cold Sores
- Mayo Clinic: Cold Sores
- Herpes Cold Sores: Cold Sores
